Firefly to publish its fiction competition winner Heuch’s ‘exciting’ middle-grade novel 

Firefly will publish A History of My Weird by Chloë Heuch, named overall winner of its Firefly Press Fiction Competition Wales 2022, which aimed to discover the best new writing for children coming from Welsh authors currently without publishing deals.

Penny Thomas, publisher, acquired world rights directly from the author. 

A History of My Weird won in the nine to 12-year-old category and was described by judge and author Catherine Fisher as “a stand-out winner, with its memorable and vibrant main character, and exciting narrative".

The Map of Rhos by Victoria Pici won in the seven to nines category and Wick Wood by Lucy Mohan the 12+. Heuch was named overall winner from all three categories.

A History of My Weird, due to be published in 2024, tells the story of Mo, who is autistic and struggling to fit into high school. But then she meets Onyx.

Thomas said: “This is a beautifully imagined and executed novel, with a terrific central character and a dynamic storyline. We’re so delighted that Chloë has chosen to publish her second title with Firefly, following on from her absorbing YA novel Too Dark to See in 2020."

Heuch said: “I’m overjoyed to sign with Firefly for A History of My Weird. I love Mo and can’t wait for others to be able to read all about the shenanigans she gets up to.

"There have been times in my life when I’ve felt voiceless and invisible, but I’ve been able to find my way home to myself through writing. Working with teenagers for the past few years has inspired me to connect with that age group through stories about things I believe are important.”